News

London Sport fund £10K for YCAG – Getting active after lockdown

YCAG received funding from London Sport to have some youth activities delivered to young people, which would be decided by the young people themselves. The purpose of funding the activities is to get young people active after lockdown ends.

What have been the key successes of the project so far?

The young people from YCAG (Young Citizen Action Group) designed an online survey to understand their peers experiences of lockdown, their physical activity before/during/after lockdown and what kinds of activities they would like delivered. The feedback from the online survey was tremendous with 700+ students of Riverside School. This will provide a baseline of activity before lockdown and before commencing the project to be able to measure the level of benefit after its delivery.

Following this, YCAG used the results from the online survey to decide which kinds of activities they would like to offer based on what their peers would most like to get involved in. A short video appeal was then produced by them to local community groups asking them in turn to create their own videos to share their offer and raise awareness of the opportunities to get involved in. Great video submissions were received from local community groups summarising their organisations and the activities they offer and these were shown in form time at Riverside School and voted on by students.

Thereafter, YCAG took the results of the vote and invited the top 4 to a “Dragon’s Den” style interview with them where the young people asked questions to confirm the offer available. These were led by the young people and were received very positively by the community groups involved who offered high praise for the approach in general and for the young people involved.

“It was great to be part of YCAG Dragon’s Den, and brilliant to see young people being put at the head of the table. Those involved were strong minded and came out with amazing and important questions.”

Kayden, Dance Instructor at BDYD, former Riverside School student

"I was very impressed with the young people's resourcefulness. Not only did they survey the needs and preferences of the other students, but also asked pertinent questions to establish whether an activity would be beneficial to them. Very professional throughout the process!"

Nikhil, Surya Wellbeing

"It was very good to see young people on a board, working together to provide enrichment opportunities for their peers, schools and community. Everyone was very welcoming and polite and asked good questions. A great example that when young people come together they can design purposeful and impactful projects."

Lamar, Right Development Foundation

What activities are being funded?

YCAG decided on the following community activities, which will take place at Riverside School:

BDYD (Barking & Dagenham Youth Dance) – Dance classes (to take place at Riverside School, 3-4pm once per week Thursdays for Years 7-9).
Creative Wellness – Cooking & Healthy Eating Workshops (to take place at Riverside School, 3-5pm once per week day TBC, for Year 7s ONLY, Max 20 students.
RDF – Basketball (Thursdays) & Boxing Clubs (Wednesdays) (to take place at Riverside School, 3-4pm once per week, for Years 7-9).
Surya Wellbeing – Yoga and Mindfulness (Online, 5-6pm once per week Thursdays for all Years but focused on older year groups with exams and stress from school).

When will the activities start?

Activities will start on the week commencing 10th May, and end on the week commencing 21st June.

Community Wellbeing Event: Creating Connections, Building Resilience

The Event

The Community Wellbeing event brought together TWCP staff and steering group members, staff and volunteers from the Red Cross, local residents, and health and wellbeing professionals to listen and comment on related topics. The event also provided an opportunity for a general update on TWCP and the Red Cross’s work for interested residents and partners. It was particularly beneficial that the event consisted of a good mixture of different groups and organizations, which reflected the diversity of the Thames Ward and wider Barking area.

Lai Ogunsola introduced the theme of ‘the new normal, working from home and the importance of social connections’ within the context of lockdown and social isolation. The discussion extended to the wider group and practical examples were shared with regard to how people cared for their mental health.

The evening continued with a recital from local spoken word performer Romeo Murisa and a music set by TWCP Co-Chair and DJ Josiah. The spoken word piece was biographic and touched upon many self-reflective themes evoked by the pandemic, social isolation and offered some thoughts on wellbeing. The music set was a light-hearted compilation of the participants favourite songs that had been shared during the introductions earlier.

Participants were then able to choose from a selection of four breakout room sessions: the first led by award winning artist Laura from At Gallery CIC who presented the work of Joshua Lance focusing on the importance of art in health; the second breakout room was led by Natalia from Early Years Cocoon and was centered on simple exercises to deal with uncertainty in our lives; the third room was led by Amtul from Community Health Champions to promote Health Champions, Covid-19 vaccinations and mental health; the last breakout room was led by Katherine from the British Red Cross, which was about building resilience and wellbeing, where themes of engagement, awareness and cooperation were considered, in order to build community to prevent disaster.

The Impact

Opportunity was given to share clubs and social groups with each other to widen options for safe social interactions during and after lockdown. Links were shared to activities such as: LBBD volunteering opportunities, local artists’ work, community hubs such as the Bromley By Bow Centre, early years support, TWCP events and health groups, links to events on black leadership, relevant articles, music, digital classes for adults, wellbeing and loneliness support, and sports clubs.

Participants who spoke up during the event stated that they enjoyed the workshop as a fun, interactive forum to engage with relevant local issues.

I thought it was a well rounded event where we were able to promote collaboration and I’m looking forward to where this leads. I thought it was particularly successful because the event was not just about promoting collaboration within the exercises in the event, but building trust and relationships that can endure through lockdown and afterwards. I think a lot of trust has been built, showing that we value the ideas and contributions of residents, and of our partners.

Josiah Oyekunle, Co-Chair and Resident Steering Group Member

I really enjoyed the event and thought it went very well. I think having breakout rooms was a good idea since it gave people the opportunity to go in depth on topics.

Romeo Murisa, Spoken word performer

Really excellent event!

Dan Hopewell

Creative Wellness Ladies Cycling and Walking Club Resume Sessions

Khushnood Ahmed, Resident Steering Group Member and Member of the TWCP Health and Wellbeing Citizen Action Group, runs a number of fitness and wellness clubs through her initiative Creative Wellness.

Creative Wellness is passionate about community wellness. It’s a space for women to feel excited and empowered, to expand their knowledge, and to be equipped with the action steps and resources needed to live a healthier life.

Cycling Club

Start date: April 2021

Complete the membership form via this link: Cycling Club – Creative Wellness

Bikeability training is being provided on two dates:

Saturday 17th April – Level 1 (Riverside Cycle Hub)

Saturday 24th April – Level 2 (Riverside Cycle Hub)

General club rides are every weekend, Saturday 10-12pm, departing from Rivergate centre, Barking IG11 0FJ, to suit all abilities.

A bicycle, lock, helmet, and cycling jacket can be provided to members dependent on availability.

Walking Club

Start date: 5th April 2021

Complete the membership form via this link: Walking Club – Creative Wellness

The club walks different routes every week Monday 10-11am, departing from Rivergate centre, Barking. IG110FJ.

Members are provided with a fit fitness tracker watch to monitor their step count. The weekly challenge is to do 10,000 steps or more to win the weekly prize draw for the vouchers of your choice.

You can complete the challenge in a week with the other members or with your family at your own pace.

Why get active?

During the first lockdown I felt there was a need in the community for women, whilst adhering to government guidelines, to make new friends, get involved in a sport or activity that would provide positive health outcomes, especially mental health. The project was well received by the girls and women of Thames Ward. We now have a WhatsApp group where our cycling and walking club ladies interact with each other. The clubs are a success as through them residents have formed friendships, as well as better mental and physical health!

Khushnood Ahmed

YCAG regular Anna excels as part of Inclusive Leadership Programme

TWCP has recently supported young people it works with as part of the Unified Action Programme, which aims to promote shared values among people of all backgrounds through sustainable social integration and meaningful civic participation. The programme has been designed to promote understanding and shared values between and within faith and ethnic communities, and other communities, which form a part of civil society.

The focus is on supporting young people aged 14-25 years old to become Unified Action Ambassadors, inclusive leaders who focus on empowering future generations; connecting communities by promoting understanding and shared values; achieving greater diversity in the governance of sport and broader civil society; standing united against all forms of hate and most importantly giving young people a platform to have their views heard by decision makers. It is delivered jointly by Youth Sport Trust, Sporting Equals and 2-3 Degrees and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Unified Action Ambassadors believe in a society where no one feels excluded, left behind or that they are just standing on the side lines.

Jamie from TWCP has been running the Young Citizen Action Group (YCAG) at Riverside School since TWCP first began back in late 2017 and Anna, one of the Unified Action programme participants, has been one of the most committed members, attending almost every session since she first joined Riverside School in Year 7. He commented:

“It’s been great to have Anna involved as part of this programme. She attended all of the online training sessions in the evening and was confident enough to speak in front of all of the programme attendees at the final celebration event. I’ve seen Anna’s confidence and leadership skills skyrocket during her time on the programme. She has recorded video messages to local community groups, to the entire student body of her school and taken proactive steps in meeting with Riverside Primary School parents to help promote involvement in the new Barking Food Forest site next to Riverside Campus”.

Jamie Kesten, Senior Community Organiser (Thames Ward Community Project)

As one of the youngest participants in the programme Anna was particularly impressive in the strides she took as an inclusive leader and the confidence and passion she has shown, which has been noted by her athlete mentor, Vernon Samuels, a former Olympic Triple Jumper:

It’s been an absolute pleasure to connect with Anna as her Athlete Mentor and as the youngest young leader involved in the Unified Action programme. Anna wasn’t intimidated by the fact that the age spread of participants went all the way to 25 year olds! Nor was she daunted by a lack of peer support when the two other young people involved in the programme as part of the Thames Ward Community Project were unable to continue.

Anna has shown week after week of the programme a steely resilience and determination that shows she is a young leader on a mission to improve the quality of life for her community – and especially for the pupils of her local primary school where Anna’s hard work and influence as a leader will facilitate access and engagement with the new Barking Food Forest, ensuring it is an inclusive and accessible space for members of the primary school and their families to enjoy along with the wider community.

Despite tight deadlines and a big to do list, Anna refuses to be intimidated by the size of the task at hand. With her humble and articulate approach, Anna draws on available support and expertise to help carry forward her dream of the community garden space into reality.

Vernon Samuels, Athlete Mentor & Ambassador for the Unified Action Programme

Positive feedback from Barking Food Forest co-design sessions

Barking Food Forest is a new community gardening project in Barking Riverside that will benefit local children, young people, families and wider residents of all ages.

The Barking Food Forest will be next to the Riverside Campus. It is a great location that boasts part of the nearby Thames Estuary, in which Brackish water species live. It will also provide a much needed community green space, which is lacking in Thames Ward due to being cut off by the A13.

The Event

The Barking Food Forest co-design sessions were opportunities for TWCP staff, resident steering group member; Nikhil Rathore, and local residents to come together and hear the plans and vision for the forthcoming Barking Food Forest. Most importantly, local residents were also invited to share their views and suggestions on what they desired to be a part of the garden. Particularly, residents were able to give input on what plants they would like to grow, what features the shared garden space should include and what activities they would like to enjoy in the space.

Nikhil Rathore introduced the project as a “community effort” and explained the permaculture approach that would be adopted. He stated that the food forest would be a space that was permanent; sustaining itself and regenerating nature, and pointed out a few principles such as catching and storing energy. Local residents were then invited to introduce themselves and share what their favourite nature spot was.

The session continued with Nikhil providing more detail as to the structure of a food forest; a garden system design that has multiple layers. He named seven layers that would be incorporated into the garden (canopy, lower tree-level, shrub layer, herbaceous layer, soil surface, root layer, vertical layer), and their benefits, such as weed protection.

Local residents were then told of the progress of the project so far, which included:

– Campaigning: YCAG’s winning campaign for the site of the food forest.

– Co-designing: YCAG and other students from Riverside campus informed the initial food forest design. Sessions with local residents.

– Preparatory infrastructure works are currently taking place.

The session ended with a collaborative Jamboard where everyone shared their ideas on the themes of a garden and forest, what plants and features they would like to see, and aspects of the project people were most passionate about.

The Impact

The sessions were well attended by local residents. Residents found it empowering to know that their ideas would be incorporated into the design of the garden site and the activities to be held there.

Loving it! Planting something, being surrounded by nature! I’ll be there!”

Steff

Really excited about the prospect of a community garden as I used to have an allotment. It'll be nice to have something were lots of people are involved!

Emilda

The enthusiasm and honest opinions from the local residents were well received and would be vital to the continuing progress of the project.

We really need a communal space for the community to be able to engage with each other after lockdown.

Helen

Next Steps

The updated design will be shared with the community, reflecting the input from both the local residents and student co-design sessions.

In person gardening sessions will be announced as soon as soon as national restrictions allow.

If you would like to join in gardening activities please complete the form below and/or follow TWCP social media channels.

– Weekly sessions (x2 hours): Midweek evenings, designing regenerative garden systems.

– Monthly sessions (x3 hours): Weekend daytime sessions, guest expert visits, intergenerational sessions.

How To Get Involved

If you would like more information about the Barking Food Forest, please complete the form below.

TWCP support Barking and Dagenham “Active Through Football” bid

What is it?

Active Through Football is an ambitious new programme from Sports England, funded by the National Lottery and delivered by the Football Foundation. Its objective is to increase activity levels in people aged 16+, by running recreational activities shaped by local residents.

The programme could not be more critical for the Thames Ward area. Thames Ward has geographical barriers to exercise, one of the highest rates of unemployment in Barking and Dagenham, and is in great need of social prescribing services.

Football as a sport is a fun way to keep fit, and help individuals become more socially connected. Active Through Football hopes to be a sustainable programme that reinvests into the community, by empowering local people to gain qualifications and employment opportunities as coaches, to run the future delivery of the programme.

Thames Ward Community Project have offered vital support to the programme, which must collaborate with local groups and residents as part of its bid. TWCP would be among other local groups involved in the management and vision of the project within the Thames Ward area.

Who's involved?

LBBD

Essex County Football Association

Barking Sports For Change (Part of Model City London(External link) – Barking Coalition)

West Ham United Foundation

London Sport

Coventry University Dagenham

Timeline

The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham has been shortlisted to apply to the Football Foundation for “Active Through Football” funding; the bid covers operations in three wards, Thames Ward being one of them.

The application is now in the community engagement phase between now and May 2021 when the bid will be submitted.

Have your say!

There are many ways this programme can be delivered. These include: recreational football, sessions for women, “walking football” and “football for fitness” classes. The structure of the programme is wholly dependant on community feedback and so we need your support to secure the scheme.

You can fill out the online form as an individual or an organisation with thoughts on how the programme could help others in the borough.

Deadline: Mid-April 2021

TWCP 3 Year Continuation Funding Granted!

Thames Ward Community Project has been successful in applying for 3-year continuation funding from the Lottery Reaching Communities fund! This critical investment will support us to continue, consolidate and secure our project in the long term.

Our long-term vision is a Charitable Development Trust (CDT) that is financially secure; dependent upon a diverse variety of revenue streams, and sustainable. We envisage establishing a community hub that will provide a place for residents in Thames Ward to socialise, engage with local projects and access services. We also hope to have a lead role in place shaping and developing social businesses with Barking Riverside Limited, an opportunity that will develop local skills and connections.

How we hope to make a difference?

Our approach is transformational because it puts power into the hands of the people. Its about creating a CDT that is functional but most importantly resident-led. This resident-led activity functions through thematic action groups, which has led to new initiatives, emerging social businesses, and increased levels of collaboration. We want to continue to nurture these ‘wins’ to establish sustainability.

Why is it necessary?

Thames Ward is especially vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 that has given way to a national health and economic crisis. There is a great need to build resilience and wellbeing. Also, the area is the site for one of the biggest developments in London and the country. With changes happening at a rapid pace, this is a critical time for residents, bringing significant opportunities to shape and engage in the future development of their area.

One of the main challenges in Thames Ward and Barking Riverside is that there is little social infrastructure and a lack of space for community activity. TWCP plays a critical role in providing a connectedness, access to resources, and influence to help the community engage with key stakeholders on their own terms.

TWCP has already shown, opportunities can be taken, new initiatives can take hold and communities can have a real voice, influence and participate in key decisions.

How Thames Ward residents feel?

The residents we work with are very positive about the project, highlighting our unique way of giving ownership back to the people.

Residents are now actively discussing how they can lead the future growth of the area, including via our 4 Growth Summits, work on a Resident Charter and internally via training accessed from Locality, ELBA, London Sport, Model City and many others.

We are excited to continue to reach more of the residents in Thames Ward, who in turn will empower sustainable change in the community!

Stratford Rotary Club Grants Pierre Epoh Moudio £500 For Volunteering Workshop

The Rotary Club in Stratford has recently granted resident steering group member, Pierre Epoh Moudio, with £500 to develop and run a workshop that improves access to services.

The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. This connects well with the work that Pierre has committed his life to; equipping others with the skills they need to better their lives, which he does through his ESOL for Parents Programme.

The grant allows for Pierre to widen his vision, providing holistic support to those in need. The money will be used to run a workshop on developing skills through volunteering. It is aimed at those residents who are unemployed and those who are employed but desire to change careers.

Why its important?

The workshop will teach participants how to acquire more skills and experience, especially in a very competitive market where work experience is crucial when looking for a job. It will also provide guidance on how to land your ideal job.

For ESOL learners, particularly, volunteering would provide work experience, help them to make new friends and also practise English. It is clear that a key barrier to participants getting a job is their lack of experience and the workshop would provide some tips on how to overcome those difficulties.

Volunteering helped me to get my first job in London, after several rejections and at times no response at all from companies I sent my CV to.

Pierre Moudio, ESOL Lecturer and TWCP Resident Steering Group Member

Giving back

Pierre kindly donated £50 to Thames Ward Community Project, he says, for believing in his project and giving him the appropriate support to enable the project to thrive.

Installation of tap for Thames View Community Garden with TWCP support

Since the acquiring of the Community Garden site, and obtaining £2000 funding from the London City Airport Community Fund, Thames View Community Garden (TVCG) members had been facing difficulties acquiring an essential water connection.

Our existence is dependent on the water.

Sabbir, TVCG Member

The site was to offer local people the opportunity to get involved in community gardening and to provide learning opportunities for those keen to learn how to grow their own fruits and vegetables, but the vision was dependent on acquiring a running water connection.

Initially, the Community Garden was being provided running water by Thames View Infant School but this was not able to continue long term. TVCG also looked at alternative solutions such as water harvesting but this was not adequate to water the whole garden.

TWCP began supporting TVCG members by supporting in the discussions with the Sue Bramley Centre and Essex Water. An agreement was reached with a water connection provided through the Sue Bramley Centre to the Community Garden, to be funded by the monies received, and so a tap was finally installed in the garden in 2020.

Impact

Having a tap installed has been critical to the survival of the Community Garden. The plants need to be regularly watered to grow and being able to rely on its on water connection TVCG can be sustained long term.

Love Gardening? Get Involved!

Thames View Community Garden is currently cared for by 13 committed members who meet every two months. If you would like to get involved or make a donation please email communitygardensecretary@gmail.com.

TVCG hope to meet this summer to grow more produce and connect with residents.

Local families receive laptops thanks to TWCP, BD Citizens, and London City Airport

The pandemic has brought with it many challenges for communities and with schools closed and students expected to attend lessons online it became clear, through meeting with members of the Senior Leadership Team at Riverside School, just how serious the issue of digital exclusion is locally. We heard that many families with children attending Riverside School simply did not have the devices necessary for children to learn from home. In response, and with the support of local Barking & Dagenham Citizens organiser Frankie Webster, a JustGiving page was created to help to raise funds for this worthy cause (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bdcitizensdigitalexclusion).

We are very pleased to announce that as a result of the partnership between TWCP, Riverside School and Barking & Dagenham Citizens – and with support from the East London Business Association (ELBA) a generous donation of 26 chromebook laptops has been made by London City Airport. The laptops were received on Friday 19th February and within a week have been distributed to local families in need.

There are still other local families in need of support so please do share and visit the Just Giving page to help to tackle the Digital Exclusion facing many in Barking & Dagenham.

This story is a wonderful result for all involved and a great example of what is possible when local community organisations are connected and work together to solve local issues.

Category: News

London Sport fund £10K for YCAG – Getting active after lockdown

What have been the key successes of the project so far?

What activities are being funded?

When will the activities start?

Community Wellbeing Event: Creating Connections, Building Resilience

The Event

The Impact

Creative Wellness Ladies Cycling and Walking Club Resume Sessions

Cycling Club

Walking Club

Why get active?

YCAG regular Anna excels as part of Inclusive Leadership Programme

Positive feedback from Barking Food Forest co-design sessions

The Event

The Impact

Next Steps

How To Get Involved

What is it?

Who's involved?

Timeline

Have your say!

TWCP 3 Year Continuation Funding Granted!

How we hope to make a difference?

Why is it necessary?

How Thames Ward residents feel?

Stratford Rotary Club Grants Pierre Epoh Moudio £500 For Volunteering Workshop

Why its important?

Giving back

Installation of tap for Thames View Community Garden with TWCP support

Impact

Love Gardening? Get Involved!

Local families receive laptops thanks to TWCP, BD Citizens, and London City Airport

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